Crown Introduces PIP-USP4 Processor For CTs Series Amplifiers

Monday, January 25, 2010 12:00:00 AM America/New_York

ELKHART, Indiana – Delivering unprecedented power and flexibility while offering clear sound and the widest dynamic range possible, Crown today introduced the PIP-USP4, the fourth generation DSP-based PIP™ (programmable input processor) module for CTs Series 2-channel amplifiers. The USP4 is a Harman HiQnet™ series component and connects to the audio control/monitor network using 100MB Ethernet hardware. The single plug solution contains audio distribution, control and monitoring.

“We are proud to bring the same next generation OMNIDRIVEHDTM DSP Engine that is featured in our I-Tech HD line to the PIP-USP4. This technology represents what will soon become known as the industry standard and we will continue to implement it for the ultimate in processing for other Crown products,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

The USP4’s OMNIDRIVEHD™ processor gives the user ultra smooth processing with 24-bit, 192 kHz Cirrus Logic SHARC A/D and D/A converters and true 96kHz processing. LevelMAX™peak, RMS and transducer thermal voltage limiters combine for a smooth and accurate response, better sound and higher usable SPL. Also available are proprietary FIR and IIR filters for unmatched clarity and detail. The USP4 is capable of connecting to an Ethernet network, allowing it to be remotely controlled and configured via HiQnet System Architect™. Additionally, the USP4 allows the transport of real-time digital audio via CobraNet™ or Ethernet AVB.

A digital audio on/off ramp allows users to send pre or post processed analog signal out of the module to adjacent amplifiers. This capability can reduce DSP cost for a system by up to 40% on its own.

Other features of the PIP-USP4 include auto standby for increased energy efficiency, SLM (sweep load monitoring) with system-level diagnostics, 25 user selectable presets and over two seconds of delay per channel. Available input options include analog, CobraNet or Ethernet AVB, and AES3 Digital Audio.

Crown is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.